Test objectives included demonstrating the GMLRS Unitary rocket in the delay mode, the improved guidance software, and the warhead and fuzing mechanism under cold weather conditions. The warhead will have a tri-mode fuze, which allows airburst, point-impact and delay modes for penetrator capability. This was the first flight of the GMLRS Unitary rocket with the enhanced capability fuze architecture.

“This delay mode test of the GMLRS Unitary rocket demonstrates the ability to attack point targets with low collateral damage, and takes us one step closer to bringing this capability to the warfighter,” said Al Duchesne, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control director of MLRS Rocket Programs.

Guided MLRS Unitary integrates a 180-pound unitary warhead into the GMLRS rocket, giving battlefield commanders the ability to attack targets up to 70 kilometers away with high precision. This low-cost, low-risk program will greatly reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy to ensure delivery of the warhead to the target.

Lockheed Martin received a $119 million contract to conduct System Development and Demonstration (SDD) for a GMLRS variant with a single warhead in October 2003. The SDD contract includes 86 rockets, 71 of which are flight articles, with the balance supporting test and other activities. The contract also provides test hardware to support 26 flight tests for an initial configuration and 39 flight tests of a follow-on configuration.

The SDD phase of this program was preceded by a successful system demonstration in 2002 of a Quick Reaction Unitary Rocket and a nine-month Component Advanced Development program. The Guided Unitary SDD program will continue through 2007.